Pituitary Surgery - what to expect?

[DanH86]

I'm so glad I finally found a community to help calm and share experiences.  First a bit about my current condition....I have a non-functioning macro-adenoma (17mm X 13mm) that I'm scheduled to have removed (transsphenoidal resection) next Wednesday February 1, 2017.  

It's been a bit overwhelming and not really sure what to expect or what I should look as I recover to help with any issues that might arise. I'm a bit scared with the surgery and could use some advise from the community of experts on this page.

Thanks for your ideas and help!
Dan

[rumpled]

Hello!
Your tumor is considered larger but lucky for you they found it before it got too big.

I would get copies of everything and read everything. Your MRI report will tell you how your tumor sits and if it sits more towards the optic nerve, then you are more at risk for sight issues, and if it is more downward, then it may be in an area with nerves and blood vessels. Some areas may or may not be inoperable so you may or may not have to have radiation after the surgery,

I found the surgery to be pretty easy but that can depend on your surgeon. I hope you have surgeon-shopped as you need a super experienced one especially as your tumor is on the larger side. This increases the risk (again, depends on where it sits) of sight and nerve issues.  Make sure you have a surgeon that has done 500 surgeries and 50+ in a year.

Some do nose packing after, some do not. There are restrictions after like no straws, and no bending over. You may have to sleep with you head elevated. Ask. Some allow saline spray after, some do not. You will feel stuffy so a humidifier (keep it super clean!) is so helpful.

Plan ahead for meals, and putting things you need above the waist, and slip on shoes etc.

Good luck!